I also taught myself how to weld fixing the frame rails on my car. It's so intimidating at first because of all the variables involved, but once you get started, it's really fun! Real handy skill to have, too.
Some good welding gloves would help you not burn yourself. I have a pair of these, and they're great, especially when you accidentally touch something hot:
Yes, we took some video of Kathryn welding tonight. As many of you have probably noticed in previous photos Kathryn's upper frame rails are absolutely shot! 26 years of Michigan winters and salt have definitely not done them any favors, and it was an area that she was pretty nervous about. Of course the easy way would be to either pony up some more money and buy another car then just transfer her parts, or get someone on the forum that really loves her to come fix it for her.
But of course you guys all know Kathryn and so she has to do it herself....all of it.
So here are some photos of what we had to work with...after we got them cleaned up a bit:
So since Kathryn has to do it all herself (at her insistance), this means starting with flat stock. Taking cardboard templates of what used to be there, and comparing to our known dimenstions from the book, and then tracing the part onto sheet metal. Then cutting it with a cutting wheel and shears:
Once the part is cut, it needs cleaned up with a grinding wheel and then clamped into place where the existing part used to be. Then it is time to fire up the welder.
Here are some examples of the tacks and beads that she was able to accomplish tonight:
and some of the mostly finished rail:
and of course one very happy and pround 14 year old....not bad for a couple hours of work
If some of you would like to see it in video....here are some links...I'm not as good as RWD at punching the holes so you see them here, but the links should take you there.
Hey everybody, RWD I just want to thank you for posting that video for me that was really nice of you. Also I just want to thank you all for all of your brilliant feedback and comments. Thanks also for sharing your ideas and knowledge you have all been so helpful and encouraging throughout this project/dream. -kathryn
Great progress! May I suggest putting some kind of rust inhibitor like Eastwood's Rubberized Rust Encapsulator so things don't rust again over the next 25 years.
Great pics! Thanks for getting us back into your project. New metal in factory fabrication lines usually gets cleaned in an acid based soap and after a fresh water rinse gets a dip in a phosphatised bath and then gets another rinse. Because this is not a frame off restoration that is not possible. It is important though that something, even if it is just a primer, should be put over the metal, cleaned or not. Epoxy with a rustproofing formula is what I have used in the past. Hey even having a ziebart job done on a skinnless car would not be a bad idea. Crazy I am sure, but It would keep the car stable for years to come... Just my opinion, floating ideas here. Great welding Kathryn!
~Zep
[This message has been edited by mwzephyr (edited 10-21-2012).]
Thanks all. We will definately be treating the metal before the body goes back on. We have some good product thanks to 3M that we will be putting down once the fab work is done. Thanks again to the 3M crew! Also, Kathryn talked with CNN again tonight they are going to be using some of the footage from makers faire etc., for an upcoming segment on her. We'll let you know when that airs. I'm sure we will be back down doing some more welding and fabrication later this week as well as some engine work. We need to see just out out of tolerance her 3.4 is.
Yeah, I just saw this on the front page of CNN - The article had a pretty good write upon Fieros, and the Forum - I suspect that the site is going to get a FLOOD of hits. I am having a hard time getting to some of the threads today.
Kudos to Jamie Gumbrecht, CNN for writing a great story. I learned a lot about Kathryn and her dad and family in the video. They represent something good that continues to happen in our culture and so does the entire Fiero forum group; Kinda like a "hands across the generations" type thing. It is totally cool!
Wish more of this type of thing would hit the airwaves more often.
Take a bow Kathryn, you inspire us, no joke. ~Zep
[This message has been edited by mwzephyr (edited 10-24-2012).]
Kathryn - you don't know me but I am Tyler Shipman's mom. A friend of mine forwarded your story on CNN to me just moments ago. Needless to say I am sitting at my keyboard bawling my eyes out. You are a very special young lady! And what a great family you seem to have!
This is the part of the article that touched me: "Kathryn and her family don't know the Shipmans, but they plan to be there next year. The hood badge on her finished car will be in memory of Tyler, a teen who didn't get enough time with his Fiero."
I hope with all my heart that you are able to make it next year. You are an inspirational young lady and without even knowing you I am proud of all you have accomplished. Yes... there is just something about those Fieros and the Fieroheads that love them. Tyler would wholeheartedly agree. His outlook on life was summed up with "get out and ride." Your ride is just beginning and I wish you much happiness and adventure in your travels
If you would PM me your address I would like to send you a care package.
Hey everyone, I just wanted to say thank you for all of the congrats but you all have some credit in this project as well so thank you all soo much! You are all such an inspiration and you have all been so helpful in keeping me motivated! Just FYI I will be going down to work on some different things tomorrow night. Hopefully some welding.... So updates will be coming soon...promise. And Cliff sorry about messing up your site again... So be writing again tomorrow, Thanks again for all of the support encouragement enthusiasm really the list could go on forever. -kathryn
And Cliff sorry about messing up your site again...
Don't worry about it. You're not messing up the site.
The server should be able to handle the load easily but it's optimized for the "usual" number of visitors. So when it's hit by a much higher number of visitors, I just need to adjust the settings and all will be well again. I just caught it a bit late because I've been away most of the day.
So again, don't worry about it. The server can handle it without problems.
wow i just stumbeled on this on facebook, keep it up kathryn your doing a great job your puttim most of my freainds that think they know cars to shame, and im not sure but i dont think cliff minds you breaking the site im sure its all worth it!!
Don't worry about it. You're not messing up the site.
The server should be able to handle the load easily but it's optimized for the "usual" number of visitors. So when it's hit by a much higher number of visitors, I just need to adjust the settings and all will be well again. I just caught it a bit late because I've been away most of the day.
So again, don't worry about it. The server can handle it without problems.
Kathryn - you don't know me but I am Tyler Shipman's mom.
This is the part of the article that touched me: "Kathryn and her family don't know the Shipmans, but they plan to be there next year. The hood badge on her finished car will be in memory of Tyler, a teen who didn't get enough time with his Fiero.".
For some reason I can't see my screen quite as clearly at the moment. That is very touching.
[This message has been edited by Patrick (edited 10-25-2012).]
An awesome story, and it keeps gettin' more and more awesome. SO glad you are being recognized. This will hopefully get you connected with some folks who can help you get to places not easily reached. Companies and researchers need to offer you tools, sponsorships, scholarships, employment, opportunities. (Pre, send her a Makerbot!)
What I love most is that you display such gratitude and appreciation. Your family and your core relationships and perspective are what we need more of in the world.
There's (at least) one book which needs to be written here. I'm not talking about making money, it's about passing this stuff on to others. Better to read this then negative drivel or self-help books.
I wish my son could hang out with you - he's young, but he could hold the screws or fetch a wrench...
You are and will continue to be an internet celebrity, but you have such legitimacy and awesomeness, I don't think it will get to your head. Just stay clear of any negative stuff. Don't waste your time with it. Some people hate rainbows. They're silly and need a hug.
Get connected with some folks in wide areas - biology and astronomy and whatever interests you. Ride the wave and continue to make actual connections (not the typical Social network types)
You're parents will help you with that...
Hope I get to meet you and your family someday, and have you autograph the side of some fantastical thing which you created which changed (improved) the world.
POWER TO THE CREATORS!
Be well.
-Rumor
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[This message has been edited by TheDigitalAlchemist (edited 10-25-2012).]
An awesome story, and it keeps gettin' more and more awesome. SO glad you are being recognized. This will hopefully get you connected with some folks who can help you get to places not easily reached. Companies and researchers need to offer you tools, sponsorships, scholarships, employment, opportunities. (Pre, send her a Makerbot!)
What I love most is that you display such gratitude and appreciation. Your family and your core relationships and perspective are what we need more of in the world.
There's (at least) one book which needs to be written here. I'm not talking about making money, it's about passing this stuff on to others. Better to read this then negative drivel or self-help books.
I wish my son could hang out with you - he's young, but he could hold the screws or fetch a wrench...
You are and will continue to be an internet celebrity, but you have such legitimacy and awesomeness, I don't think it will get to your head. Just stay clear of any negative stuff. Don't waste your time with it. Some people hate rainbows. They're silly and need a hug.
Get connected with some folks in wide areas - biology and astronomy and whatever interests you. Ride the wave and continue to make actual connections (not the typical Social network types)
You're parents will help you with that...
Hope I get to meet you and your family someday, and have you autograph the side of some fantastical thing which you created which changed (improved) the world.
POWER TO THE CREATORS!
Be well.
-Rumor
So *very* well said! All the documentation is going to make for an incredible "Build Diary" when it's done.
Hey everyone just to remind you that tonight i should be getting some things done and will be posting updates. Thanks again to everyone, and FYI I'm not so sure that I'd like to be reminded of so many hours I wasted sanding on my car whenever I look at my car....lol Thank you everyone and I hope that you know how much you have all helped me! -kathryn
Topic Closed
Real handy skill to have, too.
way to go girl! keep up the fantastic work.
